Money can be a huge stressor for many college students. Between rent, tuition, food, and books it almost seems like money leaves our hands as soon as it comes. These are just a few ways to earn and save money online. To make things even better, I have tested and done all things on this list.
Inbox dollars is an online company that pays you to take surveys, read sponsored (or "paid") emails, watch specific content, and more. They also have sweepstakes happening at all times that you can enter with earned entries (called sweeps). Once you earn $30 you can request a check to be sent to you that is easily deposited into your bank account. The earnings per survey are not a lot (anywhere from 25¢ up) but they are a reliable company. I got my check within the expected timeframe after I requested it. They also have an app so you can do these things on the go during any down time you may have. There are some downfalls: The surveys sometimes can take a long time to complete and you may find that you do not qualify for them halfway through. You can "spin and win" on the website's prizes wheel and occasionally even earn a little bit of money that way.
Amazon Mechanical Turk is through Amazon.com, Inc (obviously). Basically, you do easy but monotonous tasks for a company that is paying Amazon to put their task on the site. You get paid a certain amount per task (called HIT on the site) that you do. You are able to transfer these funds to an Amazon Payments account (which is free to get) where you can either use the money you earn to buy items directly on Amazon or transfer it to your bank account (this does have a slight fee to it). I was able to get $15 off my textbooks I ordered from Amazon this way. These tasks generally don't take too long and you get the money within a few days.
3. UserTesting
UserTesting is a really neat way to earn some extra money that makes you feel like you are making a big difference for companies. You have to download a software for this one (but I promise it is 100% safe) that UserTesting runs. Companies will put their websites on UserTesting. You take screenings to see if you fit the demographics they are wanting to look at their site. If you pass the initial screening, you get to review the site. The software you download will record what you do on your computer (after prompting you to review all personal information and get to a quiet place) and you will speak into your microphone your thoughts as you explore a company's website. They will ask specific tasks for you to do or click on. In exactly one week, UserTesting sends you $10 via PayPal. Companies greatly appreciate the feedback you give them plus you get $10 for each one you do! I've made a fair amount of money due to this site! It can be hard to get past the screenings and fit the specific demographic needed but you can keep the website up while you're on the computer. It will ding every time a new test becomes available.
4. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog is an incredibly simple app. All you do is take pictures of receipts from anywhere and upload them. You receive coins depending on where you went and how much you spent. After a certain amount of coins, you can redeem them for Paypal, Amazon, and other gift cards.They also have a monthly drawing for prizes that you are entered in for every receipt you upload. Find it on your app store. It is so simple.
5. Digit
Digit is an amazing way to save money. It is a computerized savings agent that tracks your spending. It will remove small amounts of money (anywhere from a few cents to $50) based on how much money you have and how much you spend. After generating your habits and removing the funds, it stores them into a digit savings account that you can access at any time to transfer back to your savings and/or checking account. What is great about this is that it helps you save money without even really noticing. It also is all via text and sends you updates every day on your banking. You'll be surprised how much adds up!
Walmart Savings Catcher is just as easy as Receipt Hog. You scan the QR code or receipt bar of your Walmart receipt. The savings catcher looks at nearby locations and price matches. If there is anywhere nearby where the item could be found at a lower price, it sends you the difference. All this accumulates and is made into a gift card (at any amount that you want it to be a gift card at- no set amount you must reach) that is ready to use at check out. Super simple way to save a bit at the good ole' Wally World.
Being a writer for The Odyssey has been a wonderful experience for me thus far. I have a reason to write every week and feel like I can help, educate, or make people laugh with my writing. It also gives me a space to have the freedom to write whatever I want. Plus, I can earn a bit of money too. If articles get a certain amount of views then there are money incentives attached to them. It's a great way to motivate yourself to share your writing on all sorts of platforms and get your voice heard.
